MSA is pleased to introduce the next-generation Advantage 290 Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) – the first-ever respirator designed without an exhalation valve to receive approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). An elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR), the Advantage 290 Respirator covers a wearer’s nose and mouth and utilizes twin filters to provide respiratory protection.

The Advantage 290 is the first-of-its-kind respirator providing both personal protection for the wearer and source control for the surrounding environment. Source control – which means preventing the transmission of infection through a wearer’s respiratory droplets that can come from speaking, coughing, or sneezing – is achieved by the elimination of the exhalation valve. Respirators with an exhalation valve can still allow unfiltered, exhaled breath into the surrounding area. The Advantage 290 filters and contains that exhaled breath at its source so that it does not spread or contaminate the surrounding area. While the greater concern for this risk is in a sterile field or surgical environment, source control has been brought up as a concern in multiple customer applications.

The Advantage 290 Respirator is now available to order.  We anticipate volume delivery to begin in January 2021.  Respirators and Filters will be ordered separately.

The Advantage 290 Respirator is approved for use with the current P100 Filter Cartridge (P\N 815369 – 2 pack ) or P100 with Splash Guard (10146939 – 2 Pack).   P95 filter options are also approved and are planned for later release. 

The specific EHMR models covered under the NIOSH approval are identified by the following NIOSH Approval Numbers: TC-84A-9260, TC-84A-9261, TC-84A-9256 and TC-84A-9257.

For more information download the new Advantage 290 Bulletin 1012-60-MC or Click Here